Texas-based King Aerospace is experiencing strong demand for inflight wi-fi/connectivity installations – in fact they are topping the list of required upgrades scheduled as part of major maintenance checks. The company said customers are “coming out of the pandemic with a heightened need to make aircraft function as robustly as ground-based offices”.
“Connectivity is among the hottest issues out there now,” said Ron Soret, executive vice president at King Aerospace. “We help customers navigate the coverage and capacity they need and the budget they want to stay within. Together, we determine the best inflight wi-fi solutions for them.”
The aircraft MRO provider just signed another BBJ for connectivity upgrades along with maintenance services. Those communication advancements include installation of Ka-band satellite, Gogo air-to-ground (ATG), Honeywell GoDirect routers and an Iridium data link, along with maintenance services. The upgrades are scheduled for completion by the end of May 2021.
Additionally, while installing a new interior on a Learjet 31, King Aerospace is also outfitting the aircraft with Gogo Avance L3 wi-fi in the Plus configuration. This provides full internet use (no streaming) for up to seven devices. The company said L3 boosts ATG broadband connectivity, making it 1.5 times faster. The updated aircraft is due for delivery around 1 May 2021.
In addition to connectivity upgrades, King Aerospace is also seeing an uptick in NextGen avionics installations. Those include future air navigation systems (FANS), controller-pilot data link communication (CPDLC), Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and ADS-B Out.
“Aircraft owners and operators are deciding the time is right to take action and make upgrades,” said Jarid King, president. “They know these changes provider a better experience and enhance safety. They also increase the aircraft’s value when the time comes to trade or sell. It’s a win-win.”
King Aerospace Commercial Corporation (KACC) is a one-stop provider of aircraft services with offices and facilities in Dallas, Texas, and Ardmore, Oklahoma. The company is a GE OnPoint service centre. It specialises in avionics design/installation, interior design/refurbishment, engineering services, maintenance and paint. KACC is an authorised FAA and EASA repair station and is AS9110C-certified. It also provides aircraft project management, off-site maintenance and other aircraft-related management services.
Its sister company, King Aerospace, Inc. (KAI), is a global operation that serves the US military and government to deliver responsive aircraft maintenance and logistics support. KAI operates facilities at Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas; Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Camp Humphreys, South Korea; and 24/7 logistics outposts around the world. Founded in 1992, King Aerospace is a privately owned company.
